Dehumidifier

ABSTRACT

A dehumidifier includes a main body case that defines an inner space and is provided at a side with an external air inlet, a barrier dividing the inner space, a main body base that is formed on a lower end of the barrier to define an outer appearance of a lower portion of the main body, a plurality of heat exchangers that are disposed at a side of the barrier to allow circulation air circulating the inner space to be heat-exchanged with external air introduced from an external side, a drain pan for temporally storing condensed water generated from the heat exchangers, and a water tank that stores the condensed water supplied from the drain pan when being inserted in the main body base.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a dehumidifier. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to dehumidifier in which a flow path of aircirculating along a plurality of heat exchangers is formed in aclosed-circuit.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a dehumidifier is an appliance that sucks damp air into acase, allows the sucked damp air to pass through a heat exchanger toremove moisture from the sucked air, and discharge the air from whichthe moisture is removed to an indoor space, thereby lowering thehumidity in the indoor space.

The dehumidifier of the related art functions to perform a dehumidifyingoperation in an air conditioner that has a compressor and othercomponents to form a cooling/heating cycle. Therefore, the dehumidifierhas relatively lower dehumidifying efficiency and causes the increase ofthe weight of the air conditioner.

Further, the dehumidifier of the related has a water tank built therein.Therefore, in order to dump out the water from the water tank, the userhas to separate the water tank from the dehumidifier after stopping anoperation of the dehumidifier and removing a dehumidifier case. This istroublesome for the user.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifier that islight and compact while having an adsorption member for adsorbingmoisture contained the air, a plurality of heat exchangers, and a heaterassembly for heating a circulation air.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifierthat is configured to easily dump out condensed air.

Technical Solution

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein,there is provided a dehumidifier including: a main body case thatdefines an inner space and is provided at a side with an external airinlet; a barrier dividing the inner space; a main body base that isformed on a lower end of the barrier to define an outer appearance of alower portion of the main body; a plurality of heat exchangers that aredisposed at a side of the barrier to allow circulation air circulatingthe inner space to be heat-exchanged with external air introduced froman external side; a drain pan for temporally storing condensed watergenerated from the heat exchangers; and a water tank that stores thecondensed water supplied from the drain pan when being inserted in themain body base.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided adehumidifier including: a main body case provided with an air inletthrough which external air is introduced; a side heat exchanger at whichthe external air is heat exchanged; a barrier for directing the externalair passing through the side heat exchanger frontward; a front heatexchanger at which the external air guide frontward from the barrier isheat-exchanged; an inner heat exchanger at which the external airpassing through the front heat exchanger is heat-exchanged; and a drainpan for temporally storing condensed water generated when external airis heat-exchanged with circulation air circulating in the main bodycase, wherein the condensed water stored in the drain pan falls to awater tank when the water tank is inserted in the main body.

Advantageous Effects

According to the dehumidifier of the present invention, since thedehumidifier is independently provided from an air conditioner, nocompressor is required and thus a weight of the product can be reduced.Further, the dehumidifying efficiency can be enhanced.

Further, the support and water tank is provided under the main body andthe water tank is configured to be separated from the support in a sidedirection. When the water tank is separated from the dehumidifier, thecondensed water is temporally stored in the drain pan. Accordingly, itis easy to dump out the water from the water tank and there is no needto stop the operation of the dehumidifier during dumping out the waterfrom the water tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a first side exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a second side exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an internal structure of thedehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the internal structure of thedehumidifier of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a main case and top panel ofthe dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an inner heat exchanger of thehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a barrier of the dehumidifier accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a state where an adsorption assembly andan inner heat exchanger are mounted on a barrier of the dehumidifieraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a side heat exchanger of thedehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are respective first and second side explodedperspective views of the side heat exchanger of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective view of a drain pan of the dehumidifieraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating an airflow state of externalair in the dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an airflow state of air in rear of abarrier of the dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a circulation air flow path in FIG. 2;

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a circulation air flow path in FIG. 3;and

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating an operation of a drain unit provided ona drain pan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodimentsset forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey theconcept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a dehumidifier of this embodiment includes a mainbody 100 for receiving a plurality of major components and a watercontainer 300 and a support 310 that are disposed under the main body100.

The main body 100 includes a main body case 110 formed in a rectangularcontainer having opened top and bottom and a top panel 120 mounted onthe top of the main body case 110.

The front case 110 defining front, rear, left, and right sides of themain body 100. That is, the front case 110 includes a front panel 112defining the front side, a rear panel 114 (see FIG. 6) defining the rearside, a right panel 116 defining the right side, and a left panel 118defining the left side.

The front, rear, left, and right panels 112, 114, 118, and 116 areintegrally formed with each other such that the top and bottom of themain body case 110 are opened. Accordingly, the bottom of the main bodycase 110 is closed by a main body base 150 that will be describedhereinafter.

FIG. 2 is a first side exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier ofFIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a second side exploded perspective view of thedehumidifier of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of aninternal structure of the dehumidifier according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, and FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the internalstructure of the dehumidifier of FIG. 4. In addition, FIG. 6 is anexploded perspective view of a main case and top panel of thedehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention andFIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an inner heat exchanger of thehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 7, the top panel 120 defines an outerappearance of the top of the main body 100. The top panel 120 isinstalled to be spaced apart from an upper end of the main body case 110with a predetermined gap.

Accordingly, the gap between the top panel 120 and the upper end of themain body case 110 functions as an air outlet 122 through which the airis discharged.

In more detail, an edge of the top panel is installed to be spaced apartfrom the upper end of the main body case 110 with a predetermined gap.That is, as shown in the drawings, a predetermined gap is formed betweenthe edge of the top panel 120 and the front, rear, left and, rightpanels 112, 114, 118, and 116. That is, as described above, the airoutlet 122 through which the dehumidified air is discharged is formed.

For descriptive convenience, air that is introduced from an externalside (an indoor space) of the dehumidifier into an interior side of thedehumidifier and subsequently discharged into the indoor space will bereferred to as ‘air. In addition, air circulating along a plurality ofheat exchangers 200, 210, and 220, a recovery assembly 160, and a heaterassembly, which will be described later, will be referred to as‘circulation air.

Spacing projections 124 are provided between the top panel 120 and themain body case 110 to form the gap between the top panel 120 and themain body case 110. The spacing projections 124 is formed having apredetermined height to support the top panel 120, thereby allowing thetop panel 110 to maintain a predetermined space from the upper end ofthe main body case 110.

The spacing projections 124 protrude upward from the upper end of themain body case 110. In more detail, the spacing projections 124 areformed on respective corners of the upper end of the main body case 110.Each of the spacing projections 124 is formed in a thin cylindricalshape. That is, the top panel 120 is provided at four corners of thebottom surface with projection grooves 126 corresponding to the spacingprojections 124. The spacing projections 124 are fixedly inserted in thecorresponding projection grooves 126.

The main body case 110 is provided at one surface (right surface) withair inlets 128 through which the air is introduced. That is, the airinlets 128 are formed on the right panel 116. The air inlets 128 definepassages along which the air is introduced into the main body case 110.Each of the air inlets 128 may be formed in a slit shape extending in ahorizontal direction.

Alternatively, each of the air inlets 128 may be formed in a slit shapeextending in a vertical direction. Instead of forming the air inlets onthe right panel 116, a separate air inlet grille may be detachablyinstalled on the right panel 116.

A barrier 130 dividing an interior space of the main body 100 into frontand rear spaces is provided in the main body 100. That is, the barrier130 is bent at a plurality of portions. That is, as shown the drawings,when viewed from the top, the barrier 130 is formed in ‘

’-shape.

The barrier 130 is provided at a right end portion with a rearwardextending portion 130 a that is vertically bent rearward. The rearwardextending portion 130 a is further bent rightward to form a rightwardextending portion 130 b. The rightward extending portion 130 b isfurther bent at a predetermined angle to form an inclined end portion130 c.

The inclined end portion 130 c is formed having an acute angle withrespect to an extending line of the rightward extending portion 130 band contacts a rear end of the right panel 116 and a right end of therear panel 114. Therefore, the inclined end portion 130 c allows theexternal air introduced through the air inlet of the right panel 116 tobe effectively introduced into a front portion of the barrier 130.

The barrier 130 is configured to have a height that is same as or lessthan a height of the main body case 110. Accordingly, a gap is formedbetween an upper end of the barrier 130 and the top panel 120. Thereason for forming the gap between the upper end of the barrier 130 andthe top panel 120 is to allow the dehumidified air to flow upward at arear side of the barrier 130 and subsequently flows to the front side ofthe barrier 130 through the gap between the barrier 130 and the toppanel 120. Therefore, the dehumidified air can be discharged to anexternal side through the gap between the top panel 120 and the frontpanel 112.

A rearward recess 132 having a predetermined size is formed on thebarrier 130. The rearward recess 132 is formed at a center of thebarrier 130 and recessed rearward. A heater assembly 170, a blower fan246, and an inner heat exchanger 200 are installed in the rearwardrecess 132.

The rearward recess 132 is provided at a center with a central throughhole 134. The central through hole 134 functions as a passage throughwhich the air flows from the front side of the barrier 130 to the rearside of the barrier 130.

A motor support 136 is formed on a central portion of the centralthrough hole 134. The motor support 136 is a portion on which the blowermotor 240, the blower fan 246, and the heater assembly 170 are mounted.

The motor support 136 is formed on a central portion of the centralthrough hole 134 and a plurality of support guides 136′ (four supportguides) extending in a radial direction is formed on the motor support136. Therefore, the motor support 136 is integrally formed with thebarrier 136.

An adsorption motor receiving portion 138 is formed on a side of themotor support 136. The cylindrical adsorption motor receiving portion138 is formed on a left-upper half of the central through hole 134. Theadsorption motor receiving portion 138 is a portion on which anadsorption motor 176 is mounted. The adsorption motor receiving portion138 is formed in a cylindrical shape opened frontward. The adsorptionmotor receiving portion 138 may be integrally formed on the rearwardrecess 132.

The rearward recess 132 is provided with a heater receiving portion 140.The heater receiving portion 140 is a portion on which the heaterassembly 170 is mounted. The heater receiving portion 140 is formed on aleft portion of the rearward recess 132. Heater guides for supportingupper and lower ends of the heater assembly 170 is formed to extendfrontward from the rearward recess 132.

A recovery receiving portion 144 is formed above the heater receivingportion 140. A predetermined space is defined above the heater guide 142of the barrier 130 to form the recovery receiving portion 144. Therecovery assembly 160 is installed in the recovery receiving portion144.

The barrier 130 is provided with an air outlet 146 opened frontward. Theair outlet 146 is a portion through which the circulation air isdischarged. The air outlet 146 is formed on a right lower end of therearward recess 132 of the barrier 130. Therefore, the circulation airdischarged front side through the air outlet 146 is introduced into theinner heat exchanger 200.

A cylindrical air inlet 146′ is formed extending from a right portion ofthe barrier 130. That is, as shown in the drawing, the cylindrical airinlet 146′ is formed extending rightward from a right lower end of thebarrier 130. The air inlet 146′ is a portion for guiding the circulationair discharged from a side heat exchanger 220, which will be describedlater, to an interior side of the barrier 130.

The air inlet 146′ and the air outlet 146 communicate with each other.Therefore, the circulation air introduced into the barrier 130 throughthe air inlet 146′ is discharged again through the air outlet 146.

The airflow guide 148 is formed on a rear surface of the barrier 130.The airflow guide 148 functions to guide the flow of the air that isforcedly directed by the blower fan 246. That is, airflow guide 148allows the air discharged in a circumferential direction by the blowerfan 246 to flow toward the left upper portion. The blower fan 246 isintegrally formed extending from the rear surface of the barrier 130.

The airflow guide 148 includes a circular guide portion 148′ enclosingan outer side of the blower fan 246 and an upper guide portion 148″formed extending upward from the circular guide portion 148′. Thecircular guide portion 148′ is a portion for primarily guiding the airdischarged in the circumferential direction by the blower fan 246. Theupper guide portion 148″ is a portion for allowing the air guidedleftward by the circular guide portion 148′ to flow upward.

A main body base 150 is provided on a lower end of the barrier 130. Themain body base 150 is formed in a rectangular plate shape to define abottom of the main body 100 and support a plurality of componentsincluding the barrier 130.

A drain pan receiving portion 152 is formed on the main body base 150.That is, the drain pan receiving portion 152 is formed extending upwardfrom a portion near a right end of the main body base 150. A drain panthat will be described later is received in the drain pan receivingportion 152.

The drain pan receiving portion 152 is provided with a plurality ofinsertion holes 154, 156, and 158. The insertion holes 154, 156, and 158are portions in which a plurality of water guide members 206, 216, 222′,224′, and 226′ formed on lower ends of the heat exchangers 200, 210, and220 are inserted.

In more detail, the side insertion holes 154 are formed on a right topsurface of the drain pan receiving portion 152. The side water guidemembers 222, 224′, and 226′ are inserted in the respective sidewardinsertion holes 154. The side insertion holes 154 include first, second,and third insertion holes 154 a, 154 b, and 154 c. The first, second,and third water guide members 222′, 224′, 226′ are respectively insertedin the first, second, and third insertion holes 154 a, 154 b, and 154 c.

The front insertion hole 156 is formed at the left side of the sideinsertion hole 154. The front water guide member 216 of the front heatexchanger 210 is inserted in the front insertion hole 156.

The inner insertion hole 158 is further formed at the left side of thefront insertion hole 156. That is, the drain pan receiving portion 152is stepped such that the left side is relatively lower than the rightside. The inner insertion hole 158 is formed on the left side of thedrain pan receiving portion 152. The inner water guide member 206 of theinner heat exchanger is inserted in the inner insertion hole 158.

A recovery assembly 160 is mounted on the front surface of the barrier130. That is, the recovery assembly 160 is inserted from a front sideinto the recovery receiving portion 144 formed near the upper end of thebarrier 130.

The recovery assembly 160 is enclosed by the case. Although not shown inthe drawings, the recovery assembly 160 includes a recovery fan and arecovery motor. A recovery inlet 162 is formed on a front surface of therecovery assembly 160 and a recovery outlet 164 is formed on the leftside.

The recovery inlet 162 is formed in a circular shape corresponding tothe inner outlet 204 formed on the inner heat exchanger. The recoveryoutlet 164 is formed extending left-downward from the recovery assembly160. The recovery outlet 164 is formed in a rectangular pillar shape.

A fan-shaped heater assembly 170 is mounted on the front surface of thebarrier 130. The heater assembly 170 functions to heat the circulationair circulating along the heat exchangers 200, 210, and 220.Accordingly, the heater assembly includes a heater (not shown) thatgenerates hot air using electricity fed from the external side. Thecirculation air heated by the heater assembly 170 is fed to theadsorption member 182 to vaporize the moisture adsorbed in theadsorption member 182.

A heater outlet 172 is formed on the front surface of the heaterassembly 170. A heater inlet 174 is formed on the rear surface of theheater assembly 170. The heater outlet 172 is a portion through whichthe high temperature circulation air, which is heated while passingthrough the heater assembly, is discharged frontward of the heaterassembly 170. The heater inlet 174 is a portion to which the recoveryoutlet 164 of the recovery assembly 160 is coupled. The heater outlet172 is formed in a fan-shape.

An adsorption motor 176 is mounted on a rear side of the right end ofthe heater assembly 170. The adsorption motor 176 provides rotationalforce to the adsorption assembly 180 and is received in the adsorptionmotor receiving portion 138 of the barrier 130. An adsorption shaft 176′that is a rotational shaft of the adsorption motor 176 is installed toproject frontward after passing through the right end of the heaterassembly 170. Accordingly, the adsorption assembly 180 is fixed on thefront end of the adsorption shaft 176′.

The adsorption assembly 180 is installed in front of the barrier 130.The adsorption assembly 180 includes an adsorption member 182 foradsorbing the moisture contained in the air and an adsorption case 184for fixing and supporting the adsorption member 182.

The adsorption member 182 may be formed of paper. That is, theadsorption member 182 is formed in a circular shape as a whole. Aninternal structure is formed in a honeycomb shape such that a pluralityof through holes are horizontally formed.

In more detail, the adsorption member 182 is formed by rolling atwo-layer paper in a honeycomb shape so that the through holes can beformed. Subsequently, the rolled paper is dipped in the adsorptionsolution so that the adsorption solution is applied on a surface of therolled paper. As described above, since the adsorption solution isapplied on the surface of the adsorption member 182, the moisturecontained in the air is adsorbed in the adsorption member 182 and thusthe moisture is removed from the air.

The adsorption case 184 includes an edge portion 184 a enclosing theouter portion of the circular adsorption member 182, a central portion184 b supporting a central portion of the adsorption member 182, and aplurality of connecting portions 184 c connecting the edge portion 184 ato the central portion 184 b.

A front end of the adsorption shaft 176′ of the adsorption motor 176 isfixedly connected to the central portion 184 b. Therefore, theadsorption case 184 and the adsorption member 182 can rotate with aconstant speed in accordance with a torque of the adsorption motor 176.

The adsorption member 182 and the adsorption case 184 are fixedlymounted on the front surface of the barrier 130 by the adsorption frame190. The adsorption frame 190 is fixed on the front surface of thebarrier 130 by, for example, a screw, in a state where it receives theadsorption member 182 and the adsorption case 184.

A hot air guide 192 is formed on a left portion of the adsorption frame190. The hot air guide 192 is formed in a fan-shape corresponding to theheater assembly 170. The hot air guide 192 protrudes frontward from thefront surface of the adsorption frame 190.

The hot air guide 192 functions to guide the circulation air, which isheated while passing through the heater assembly 170, to the frontheater exchanger 210. Therefore, the hot air guide 192 is openedrearward so that the circulation air can be introduced therein. The hotair guide 192 has an opened right side and an opened lower end so thatthe heated circulation air can be introduced into a front air inlet 212of the front heat exchanger 210.

Sealing members 194 are respectively provided on upper and lower ends ofthe hot air guide 192. That is, the sealing members 194 are formed of anelastic material such as rubber and provided on respective rear surfaceof the upper and lower ends of the hot air guide 192.

The sealing member 194 functions to block a gap defined between theadsorption frame 190 and the adsorption member 182. Therefore, the hightemperature circulation air flowing through the hot air guide 192 is notleaked through the gap defined between the adsorption frame 190 and theadsorption member 182.

The inner heat exchanger 200 is installed on the barrier 130. That is,the inner heat exchanger 200 is vertically installed on a right portionof the rearward recess of the barrier 130. The inner heat exchanger 200allows the circulation air in the inner heat exchanger 200 and the airflowing rearward through the central through hole 134 to heat-exchangewith each other. The inner heat exchanger 200 is provided with aplurality of air through holes provided in the form of slits.

The inner heat exchanger 200 is provided at a rear surface with innerinlet 202 and inner outlet 204 through which the air is introduced anddischarged.

The inner inlet 202 is formed on a rear-lower end of the inner heatexchanger 200. The inner inlet 202 is coupled to the air outlet formedon the barrier 130. Accordingly, the inner inlet 202 has a correspondingsize to the air outlet 146. The circulation air discharged through theair outlet 146 is guided into the inner heat exchanger 200 through theinner inlet 202.

The inner outlet 204 is formed on a rear-upper end of the inner heatexchanger 200. The inner outlet 204 allows the circulation air in theinner heater exchanger 200 to be introduced through the recovery inlet162 of the recovery assembly 160. Accordingly, the inner inlet 204 iscoupled to the recovery inlet while having a corresponding size andshape to the recovery inlet 162.

An inner water guide member 206 is further formed on a lower end of theinner heat exchanger 200. That is, the inner water guide member 206formed in a thin cylindrical shape is formed extending downward from thelower end right side of the inner heat exchanger 200. The outer diameterof the inner water guide member 206 has a corresponding side to an outerdiameter of the inner insertion hole 158 of the drain receiving portion152. Therefore, the inner water guide member 206 is inserted and mountedin the inner insertion hole 158.

The front heat exchanger 210 is further installed in front of thebarrier 130. The front heat exchanger 210 is installed in front of theadsorption frame 190 to enclose the right side of the adsorption frame190. Accordingly, the external air introduced into the adsorptionassembly 180 heat-exchanges while passing through the front heatexchanger 210.

The front heat exchanger 210 is bent rearward at its right end so thatit has a

-shape when viewed from a top. A plurality of air passing hole providedin the form of slits are formed on left and right sides of the frontheat exchanger.

A left central portion of the front heat exchanger 210 is partlyrecessed rightward. The front inlet 212 is formed through the leftcentral portion of the front heat exchanger 210. The front inlet 212corresponds to right and lower ends of the hot air guide 192. Therefore,the front inlet 212 closely contacts the right and lower ends of the hotair guide 192 of the adsorption frame 190 so that the circulation airheated by the hot air guide 192 is guided into the front heat exchanger210.

A front outlet 214 is formed on a right upper end of the front heatexchanger 210. That is, a right end of the front heat exchanger 210 isbent rearward. The front outlet 214 is formed on a right side upper endof the bent portion of the front heat exchanger 210. The circulation airintroduced into the front heat exchanger 210 through the front inlet 212is discharged through the front outlet 214. The air discharged throughthe front outlet 214 is introduced into the side heat exchanger 220.

A front water guide member 216 is formed extending downward from aright-lower end of the front heat exchanger 210. The front water guidemember 216 functions to guide the condensed water generated in the frontheat exchanger 210 downward. The front water guide member 216 isinserted in the front insertion hole 156 of the drain pan receivingportion 152. Accordingly, the front water guide member 216 is formed ina thin cylindrical shape having an outer diameter corresponding to aninner diameter of the front insertion hole 156.

The side heat exchanger 220 is installed on a front-right portion of thebarrier 130. That is, the side heat exchanger 220 is installed at theright side of the front heat exchanger 210. Like the inner and frontheat exchangers 220 and 200, the side heat exchanger 220 functions toallow the interior and exterior airs to heat-exchange with each other.

The side heat exchanger 220 is a portion at which the air introducedthrough the inlet 128 of the right panel 116 primarily heat-exchanges.The side heat exchanger 220 includes three heat exchange units. That is,the side heat exchanger 220 includes first, second, and third heatexchange units 222, 224, and 226 that are vertically installed in aline.

The first heat exchange unit 222 is a portion where the external airintroduced through the air inlet 128 heat-exchanges primarily. As shownin the drawing, the first heat exchange unit 222 is formed in arectangular shape and provided at a left side rear-lower end with afirst outlet 222 a.

The first outlet 222 a is a portion through which the circulation air isdischarged. The circulation air discharged through the first outlet 222a is introduced through the air inlet 146′ of the barrier 130.Accordingly, the first outlet 222 a is coupled to the air inlet 146′while having a corresponding size and shape to the air inlet 146′.

A first inlet 222 b is formed on a front end upper portion of a leftside of the first heat exchange unit 222. That is, the first inlet 222 bis formed diagonally with respect to the first outlet 222 a. The firstinlet 222 b functions as an inlet through which the circulation air isintroduced into the first heat exchange unit 222.

The second heat exchange unit 224 is provided at a left side of thefirst exchange unit 222. The air passing through the first heat exchangeunit 222 further heat-exchanges at the second heat exchange unit 224. Asecond outlet 224 a is formed on an upper-front end of the right side ofthe second heat exchange unit 224.

The circulation air in the second heat exchange unit 224 is dischargedthrough the second outlet 224 a The second outlet 224 a is coupled tothe first inlet 222 b while having a corresponding size to the firstinlet 222 b. Therefore, the circulation air discharged through thesecond outlet 224 a is introduced into the first heat exchange unit 222through the first inlet 222 b.

A second inlet 224 b is formed on a rear-upper end of a left side of thesecond heat exchange unit 224. The second inlet 224 b is formed tocorrespond to a third outlet 226 a to allow the circulation air to beintroduced into the second heat exchange unit 224.

The third heat exchange unit 226 is provided at a left side of thesecond heat exchange unit 224. The air passing through the first andsecond heat exchange units 222 and 224 heat-exchanges thirdly at thethird heat exchange unit 226. The third heat exchange unit 226 has ashape corresponding to the second heat exchange unit 224 and is providedat a rear-upper end of a left side with a third outlet 226 a.

The third outlet 226 a has a corresponding size and shape to the secondinlet 224 b and is coupled thereto. Accordingly, the circulation airdischarged through the third outlet 226 a is introduced into the secondheat exchange unit 224 through the second inlet 224 b.

A third inlet 226 b is formed on a front upper end of a left side of thethird heat exchange unit 226. The third inlet 226 b is a portion throughwhich the circulation air is introduced into the third heat exchangeunit 226. The third inlet 226 b has a corresponding shape and size tothe front outlet 214 of the front heat exchanger 210 and is coupledthereto.

Side water guide members 222′, 224′ and 226′ that are formed in a thincylindrical shape are respectively formed extending downward from therespective first, second, and third heat exchange units 222, 224, and226. That is, the first, second, and third heat exchange units 222, 224,and 226 are respectively provided at front-lower ends with the sidewater guide members 222′, 224′, and 226′ extending downward by apredetermined length.

The side water guide members 222′, 224′, and 226′ are provided to guidethe condensed water in the side heat exchanger 220 downward. The sidewater guide members 222′, 224′, and 226′ are respectively inserted inthe side insertion holes 154 formed thorough the drain pan receivingportion 152 of the main body base 150. Therefore, outer diameters of theside water guide members 222′, 224′, and 226′ correspond to therespective diameters of the first, second, and third insertion holes 154a, 154 b, and 154 c.

The side water guide members 222′, 224′, and 226′ are respectivelyreferred to as first, second, and third side water guide members. Thefirst side water guide member 222′ is formed extending downward from thelower end of the first heat exchange unit 222 and inserted in the firstinsertion holes 154 a The second side water guide member 224′ is formedextending downward from the lower end of the second heat exchange unit224 and inserted in the second insertion hole 154 b. The third waterguide member 226′ is formed extending downward from the lower end of thethird heat exchange unit 226 and inserted in the third insertion hole154 c.

A shielding plate 230 for dividing the space in front of the barrierinto upper and lower spaces is provided. The shielding plate 230 isformed with a flat plate to divide the front space of the barrier intothe upper and lower spaces.

The shielding plate 130 blocks a gap between the front panel 112 and thebarrier 130 and a gap between the right panel 116 and the barrier 130 soas to prevent the intake air from being mixed with the exhaust air. Thatis, the shielding plate 130 functions to prevent the external airintroduced through the air inlet 128 from being mixed with the airdischarged to the external side (indoor space) through the air outlet122.

A blower motor 240 is installed in rear of the barrier 130. The blowermotor 240 provides torque to the blower fan 246 using electricitysupplied from the external side. The blower motor 240 is installed on arear side of the motor support 136 of the barrier 130. The blower motor240 is provided with a motor shaft 242 transmitting the torque andextending rearward.

The blower motor 240 is supported by a motor mount 244. That is, thecylindrical blower motor 240 is fixed on a rear side of the barrier 130by the motor mount 244. The motor mount 244 is formed to enclose theblower motor 240 and fixed on the rear surface of the barrier 130 by,for example, a screw. Accordingly, the blower motor 240 is fixed on therear side of the barrier 130 in a state where it is received in themotor mount 244.

A blower fan 246 is installed on an outer portion of the blower motor240. The blower fan rotates by the torque of the blower motor 240 toforcedly generate an air current. That is, the blower fan is mounted ona rear end of the motor shaft 242 protruding rearward of the blowermotor 240 and is rotated together with the rotation of the motor shaft242.

The drain pan 250 is received in the lower portion of the drain panreceiving portion 152. The drain pan 250 temporally collects thecondensed water falling through the water guide members 206, 216, 222′,224′, and 226′. The drain pan has a corresponding shape to the drain panreceiving portion 152.

The drain pan 250 is provided with a drain hole 252 through which thecollected water is drained to the water tank 300. The drain hole 252 isselectively opened by a drain unit 254.

The drain unit 254 is provided in the form of a cantilever to open thedrain hole 252 when the water tank 300 is installed on the support 310and to close the drain hole 252 when the water tank 300 is not installedon the support 310. The following will describe the drain unit 254 inmore detail.

The water tank 300 and the support 310 are provided under the main bodybase 150.

The water tank 300 stores the water (condensed water) generated in theheat exchangers 200, 210, and 220. That is, the water drops condensed inthe heat exchangers 200, 210, and 220 fall into the water tank 300through the drain pan 250 and are stored therein.

The water tank 300 is installed between front and rear supportingportions 314′ and 314″ of the support 310. The water tank 300 isinstalled to be taken out sideward (leftward or rightward). The watertank 300 is formed in a rectangular box shape having an opened top.

The support 310 is provided to support the main body 100, including thesupport base 312 and the supporting portion 314. The support base 312 isa portion that directly contacts a floor of a building. The support base312 is formed in a rectangular flat plate.

The supporting portion 314 includes a front end supporting portion 314′protruding upward from a front end of the support base 312 and a rearend supporting portion 314″ protruding upward from a rear end of thesupport base 312.

The drain pan 250 is provided on the upper end of the support 310. Thatis, the drain pan 250 is provided on the right end of the front endsupporting portion 314′ to guide the water discharged from the heatexchangers 200, 210, and 220 to the water tank 300.

That is, the water falling from the water guide members 206, 216, 222′,224′ and 226′ formed on the lower end of the heat exchangers 200, 21,and 220 are collected in the drain pan 250 and subsequently falls to thewater tank 300.

FIG. 8 shows the barrier 130 in detail.

Referring to FIG. 8, coupling guides 320 and 322 for fixing the sideheat exchanger 220 are horizontally formed on front-upper andfront-lower ends of the right extending portion 130 b of the barrier130. That is, the upper coupling guide 320 is horizontally formed nearthe upper end of the right extending portion 130 b and the lower endcoupling guide 322 is horizontally formed near the lower end of theright extending portion 130 b.

Upper and lower coupling grooves 320′ and 322′ are respectively formedon right surfaces of the upper and lower coupling guides 320 and 322.Coupling members 334 and 336 that will be described below arerespectively inserted in the upper and lower end coupling grooves 320′and 322′. Therefore, male threads with which screws can be engaged maybe formed on inner surfaces of the upper and lower coupling grooves 320′and 322″.

FIG. 9 shows a state where the adsorption motor assembly 176 and theinner heat exchanger 200 are mounted on the barrier 130 of FIG. 8. Thatis, FIG. 9 illustrates a state where the adsorption motor assembly 176is inserted in the adsorption motor receiving portion 138. The innerheat exchanger 200 is closely fixed on a right portion of the rearwardrecess 132. The inner heat exchanger 200 is mounted on the rearwardrecess 132 of the barrier 130 by the screws.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate the side heat exchanger 220 in moredetail. That is, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the side heatexchanger of the dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the presentinvention and FIGS. 11 and 12 are respective first and second sideexploded perspective views of the side heat exchanger of FIG. 10.

As shown in the drawings, the first, second, and third heat exchangers222, 224, and 226 are coupled to each other by coupling units 340 and342 that will be described below. At least one of the first, second, andthird heat exchangers 222 and 224, and 226 are fixedly mounted on thebarrier 130.

In more detail, one of upper and lower ends of at least one of thefirst, second, and third heat exchangers 222 and 224, and 226 are fixedto the barrier 130 by coupling members 334 and 336 that will bedescribed below. In FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, a case where one of the upperand lower ends of the first heat exchanger 222 is fixed on the barrier130 is illustrated by way of example.

As shown in the drawings, a rear-upper end of the first heat exchanger22 extends upward to form the upper end coupling portion 330 and arear-lower end of the first heat exchanger 222 extends downward to formthe lower end coupling portion 332.

The upper end coupling portion 330 is provided with an upper end throughhole 330′ and the lower end coupling portion 332 is provided with alower end through hole 332′. The upper end through hole 330′ and thelower end through hole 332′ are holes in which the coupling members 334and 336 will be inserted.

The side heat exchanger 220 is fixedly mounted on the barrier 130 by thecoupling member 334 and 336. That is, the coupling members 334 and 336that are screws fix the side heat exchanger 220 on the barrier 130.However, the coupling members 334 and 336 are not limited to the screw.Other types of coupling members may be used.

The upper end coupling member 334 is inserted in the upper end couplinggroove 320′ and the lower end coupling member 336 is inserted in thelower coupling groove 322′. The upper and lower coupling members 334 and336 pass respectively through the upper and lower end through holes 330′and 332′ of the first heat exchanger 222 and are coupled to the upperand lower coupling grooves 320′ and 322′.

Meanwhile, the first, second, and third heat exchangers 222, 224, and226 are coupled to each other by the coupling units 340 and 342.

The coupling units 340 and 342 include a coupling projection 340 and aprojection coupling groove 342 that are correspondingly formed to onesurfaces of the heat exchangers 222, 224, and 226 and coupled to eachother. That is, the projection coupling groove 342 and the couplingprojection 340 are respectively formed on a left surface of the firstheat exchanger 222 and a right surface of the second heat exchanger 342and coupled to each other. The projection coupling groove 342 and thecoupling projection 340 are respectively formed on a left surface of thesecond heat exchanger 224 and a right surface of the third heatexchanger 226. Further, the projection coupling groove 342 and thecoupling projection 340 are respectively formed on corners of surfacesof the respective heat exchangers 222, 224, and 226.

In more detail, the projection coupling grooves 342 are formed extendingleftward from a rear upper end of the left surface of the first heatexchanger 222. The projection coupling groove 342 is formed in a thincylindrical shape. Therefore, the coupling projections 340 aresnap-fitted in the projection coupling grooves 342.

Therefore, an inner diameter of the projection coupling groove 342 maybe equal to or slightly less than an outer diameter of the couplingprojection 340.

The projection coupling grooves 342 are formed extending leftward from afront-lower end of the left surface of the first heat exchanger 222.This projection coupling grooves 342 have an identical structure tothose formed on the first heat exchanger 222.

The projection coupling groove 342 s are further formed extendingleftward from a rear side of the left surface of the first heatexchanger 222. That is, the projection coupling grooves 342 are formedabove the first outlet 222 a. On the other hand, the projection couplinggroove 342 is not formed on an upper end of the left surface of thefirst heat exchanger 222 since the first inlet 222 b formed on thefront-upper end of the left surface of the first heat exchanger 222functions as a coupling unit that is coupled to the second outlet 224 aformed on the right surface of the second heat exchanger 224.

The coupling projections 340 are formed extending rightward from cornersof the right surface of the second heat exchanger 224. As shown in thedrawing, the coupling projections 340 are formed in a circular-pillarshape and formed to correspond to the projection coupling grooves 342formed on the left surface of the first heat exchanger 222. That is, thecoupling projections 340 are formed on a rear-upper and, a rear-lowerend, and a front-lower end of the right surface of the second heatexchanger 224.

The projection coupling grooves 342 are formed on respective corners ofthe left surface of the second heat exchanger. That is, the projectioncoupling grooves 342 are formed on front-lower end, front-upper end, anda rear-lower end of the left surface of the second heat exchanger 224.

No projection coupling groove 342 is formed on a rear upper end of theleft surface of the second heat exchanger 224 since the second inlet 224b functions as the coupling unit that is coupled to the third outlet 226a of the third heat exchanger 226.

The coupling projections 340 are formed on respective corners of theright surface of the third heat exchanger. The coupling projections 340formed on the right surface of the third heat exchanger 226 are formedto correspond to the projection coupling grooves 342 formed on the leftsurface of the second heat exchanger 224.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the drain pan in more detail.

As described above, the drain pan 250 is provided with a drain pipe 252extending rearward from a rear surface. The drain pipe 252 guides thecondensed water stored in the drain pan 250 to the water tank 300. Thedrain pipe 252 is selectively opened and closed by the drain unit 254.The drain pipe 252 is formed of a thin pipe and a rear end of the drainpipe 252 is selectively closed by the drain unit 254.

The drain unit 254 includes a closing cap 254 a for selectively closingthe rear end of the drain pipe 252, a drain lever 254 b controlling themovement of the drain cap 254 a, a hinge shaft 254 c functioning as acentral axis of the drain lever 254 b, a contact projection 254 bselectively contacting the water tank 300, and a return spring 254 eapplying torque in a direction to the drain lever 254 b.

The drain cap 254 a is formed in a circular shape having a sizecorresponding to a rear end of the drain pipe 252. The drain cap 254 ais formed of an elastic material such as rubber. Therefore, when thewater tank 300 is separated from the support 310, the drain cap 254 aclosely contacts the rear end of the drain pipe 252.

The drain lever 254 b is formed in a □-shape when viewed from top. Thedrain cap 254 a is installed on a left surface of the rear end (in FIG.13) of the drain lever 254 b and the contact projection 254 d is formedextending downward from a lower portion of the right end of the drainlever 254.

The hinge shaft 254 c is integrally formed on a central portion of thedrain lever 254 b formed in the □-shaped to function as a rotationalshaft of the drain lever 254 b. The upper and lower ends of the hingeshaft 254 c are rotatably mounted on a hinge guide 254 f formedextending rearward from a rear surface of the drain pan 250.

The contact projection 254 d is formed in a cylindrical shape andselectively contacts an upper edge of the water tank 300. That is, thecontact projection 254 d moves while contracting a front end of the edgeof the water tank 300 to rotate clockwise when viewed from the top.

The return spring 254 e is a spring for returning the contact projection254 d. That is, after the contact projection 254 d rotates clockwise bybeing pushed by the edge of the water tank 300 and the water tank 300 isremoved from the support 310, the return spring applies torque to thecontact projections such that the contact projection 254 d rotatescounterclockwise (when viewed from the top) to return to a state shownin FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an air flow state in rear of a barrier ofthe humidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.16 is a view illustrating a circulation air flow path in FIG. 2, andFIG. 11 is a view illustrating a circulation air flow path in FIG. 2.

An operation of the above-described dehumidifier of the presentinvention will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 15through 18.

Referring first to FIG. 15, external air is introduced into thedehumidifier through a side surface (right surface) of the dehumidifier.The air dehumidified in the dehumidifier is discharged to the externalside (indoor space) through an upper end of the dehumidifier. That is,the dehumidified air is discharged through the gap between the top panel120 and other panels.

In more detail, when the blower motor 240 is driven, the blower fan 246rotates by the torque of the blower motor 240.

When the adsorption motor assembly 176 is driven, the adsorptionassembly 180 rotates by the torque of the adsorption motor 176 and thusthe recovery fan (not shown) provided in the recovery assembly 180 alsorotates to generate a current of the circulation air. At this point, thetorque generated by the adsorption motor 176 is lower than the torquegenerated by the recovery motor or the blower motor 240. Therefore, theadsorption assembly 180 rotates with a relatively low RPM.

At this same time, the heater (not shown) provided in the heaterassembly is driven by the external power to heat the air.

Meanwhile, as the blower fan 246 rotates, sucking force is generated inthe dehumidifier and thus the external air (air in the indoor space) isintroduced into the main body case 110 through the air inlet 128 of theright panel 116 (see {circumflex over (1)} in FIG. 15).

The external air introduced into the main body case 110 passes throughthe side heat exchanger 220 as indicated by {circumflex over (2)} inFIG. 15. That is, the air passes successively through the air passingholes provided in the form of slits on the first, second, and third heatexchange units 222, 224, 226.

At this point, the air outside of the side heat exchanger 220 isheat-exchanged with the air inside of the side heat exchanger 220.Accordingly, a temperature of the air outside of the side heat exchanger220 increases by the hot circulation air in the side heat exchanger 220.

The air passing through the side heat exchanger 220 passes through thefront heat exchanger 210 as shown in FIG. 15. That is, the external airflows from the right and front sides of the front heat exchanger 210 tothe rear side of the front heat exchanger 210. At this point, the airsinside and outside of the front heat exchanger 210 are heat-exchangedWith each other.

The air passing through the front heat exchanger 210 passes through theadsorption member 182 as indicated by {circumflex over (4)} in FIG. 15.Therefore, the moisture contained in the air is adsorbed in a surface ofthe adsorption member 182. Therefore, the air becomes more dry air.

The external air passing through the adsorption assembly 180 passesthrough the inner heat exchanger 200 as indicated by {circumflex over(5)} of FIG. 15. Likewise, the airs inside and outside of the inner heatexchanger 200 are heat-exchanged with each other and thus a temperatureof the air is further increased.

The air passing through the inner heat exchanger 200 flows to the rearside of the barrier 130 through the central through hole 134 of thebarrier 130 as indicated by {circumflex over (6)} of FIG. 15. The airdirected to the rear side of the barrier is discharged in a radialdirection by the blower fan 246 and guide by the airflow guide 148.

The airflow guide 148 encloses the outer side of the blower fan 246 andhas a left end extending upward. Thus, the air discharged by the blowerfan 246 flows toward the left upper portion of the barrier 130 asindicated by {circumflex over (7)} of FIG. 15.

Describing the airflow state by the airflow guide 148 in more detailwith reference to FIG. 16, the air discharged in the circumferentialdirection by the blower fan 246 is guided by the circular guide portion148″ and directed leftward (rightward in FIG. 16) as indicated by (7 a).

Subsequently, the air flows upward by the upward guide portion 148″, andas indicated by (7 b), the air passes through the gap between the upperend of the upward guide portion 148″ and the left panel 118.

The air passing through the gap between the upper end of the upwardguide portion 148″ and the left panel 118 is partly directed to a frontside of the barrier 130 through the gap between the upper end of thebarrier 130 and the top panel 120. That is, since the gap is formedbetween the top panel 120 and the upper end of the barrier 130, asindicated by (7 c), the air in rear of the barrier 130 flows toward thefront side of the barrier 130.

As described above, the air ascended by the airflow guide 148 flows tothe front side of the barrier 130. At this point, the shielding plate230 in front of the barrier 130 blocks the downward flow of the air sothat the air guided upward by the airflow guide 148 cannot be introducedagain into the adsorption assembly 180. That is, the air directionupward by the airflow guide 148 flows to the lower side of the shieldingplate 230 so as not to be mixed with the air that is being introducedfrom the external side.

The air directed upward is dispersed toward the edge of the top panel120 and discharged through the air outlet 122. That is, as indicated by{circumflex over (8)} of FIG. 15, the air is discharged to the externalside through the air outlet 122 defined by the gap between the top paneland the main body case 110. The method for discharging the air throughthe air outlet 122 defined by the gap provided in the form of slits iscalled a line diffuser method.

The flow of the circulation air in the heat exchangers 200, 210, and 220will now be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

The circulation air path formed along the heat exchangers 200, 210, and220 is formed in a closed circuit. That is, unlike the above-describedair (i.e., air introduced from the indoor space to the dehumidifier),the circulation air in the heat exchangers 200, 210, and 220 is notreplaced but continuously circulate along a closed fluid path toheat-exchange with the external air.

Describing in more detail, the circulation air directed from therecovery assembly 160 is, as indicated by □, introduced into the heaterassembly 170 through the heater inlet 174 connected to the recoveryoutlet 164.

The circulation air introduced into the heater assembly 170 is heated bya heater (not shown) and directed frontward as indicated by 0 throughthe heater outlet 172. The circulation air directed frontward throughthe heater outlet 172 passes through the adsorption member 182. At thispoint, the high temperature circulation air discharged through theheater outlet 172 vaporizes the moisture adsorbed in the adsorptionmember 182.

That is, as the adsorption member 182 rotates with a low RPM by theadsorption motor 176, the moisture contained in the air passing throughthe adsorption member 182 is adsorbed in the adsorption member 182. Atthis point, as the high temperature circulation air passes through theadsorption member 182 as described above, the moisture adsorbed in theadsorption member 182 is vaporized and thus removed from the adsorptionmember 182.

In addition, since the heater outlet 172 is formed in the fan-shape, theadsorption member 182 affected by the high temperature circulation airdischarged through the heater outlet 172 becomes a range (fan-shape)corresponding to the heat outlet 172. However, since the adsorptionmember 182 keeps rotating with the low RPM by the adsorption motor 176,the adsorption member 182 entirely contacts the high temperaturecirculation air discharged through the heater outlet 172 when apredetermined time has elapsed.

The circulation air passing through the adsorption member 182 isintroduced into the hot air guide 192 of the adsorption frame 190 andsubsequently directed into the front heat exchanger 210 through thefront air inlet 212 of the front heat exchanger 210 as indicated by □.

The circulation air directed into the front heat exchanger 210 isheat-exchanged with the external air. That is, as described above, thecirculation air is heat-exchanged with the external air which isintroduced through the air inlet 128 and flows along an external side ofthe front heat exchanger 210.

In more detail, since the circulation air in the front heat exchanger210 is higher in a temperature than the external air, the external airflowing along an outer side of the front heat exchanger 210 takes theheat of the circulation air in the front heat exchanger 210. Therefore,the temperature of the circulation air in the front heat exchanger 210is lowered and thus the moisture contained in the circulation air iscondensed and flows downward.

The circulation air passing through the front heat exchanger 210 is, asindicated by □, introduced into the side heat exchanger 220. That is,the circulation air in the front heat exchanger 210 is directed to thethird heat exchange unit 226 through the front outlet 214 andsubsequently introduced into the third heat exchanger 226 through thethird inlet 226 b. Subsequently, the circulation air passes through thesecond heat exchanger 224 and then to the first exchange unit. At thispoint, the external air outside of the side heat exchanger 220 takes theheat from the circulation air and thus the moisture contained in thecirculation air is condensed.

The air passing through the side heat exchanger 220 is introduced intothe inner heat exchanger 200. In more detail, the circulation airdischarged through the first outlet 222 a of the first heat exchanger222 is, as indicated by □, introduced into the barrier through the airinlet 146′ formed through the barrier 130. The circulation air is, asindicated by □, introduced into the inner heat exchanger 200 through theair outlet 146 and the inner inlet 202.

Like the side and front heat exchangers 220 and 210, the circulation airintroduced into the inner heat exchanger 200 is heat-exchanged with theexternal air. That is, after passing through the adsorption member 182,the circulation air is heat-exchanged with the air directed to a rearside of the barrier through the central through hole 134 of the barrier130.

Accordingly, the circulation air in the inner heat exchanger 200 iscooled and thus the moisture contained in the circulation air iscondensed and discharged downward.

The circulation air passing through the inner heat exchanger 200 is, asindicated by 0, introduced into the recovery assembly 160. That is,since the inner inlet 204 of the inner heat exchanger 200 is coupled tothe recovery inlet 162 of the recovery assembly 160, the circulation airin the inner heat exchanger 200 is introduced into the recovery assembly160.

The circulation air introduced into the recovery assembly 160 isforcedly directed by the recovery fan (not shown) into the heaterassembly 170 through the recovery outlet 164 as indicated by □.

Through the above-described process, the circulation air circulatesalong the closed flow path in which the heat exchangers 200, 210, and220 are arranged, thereby completing one cycle.

The condensed water generated by the heat exchange between the externalair and the circulation air must be removed frequently by the user.

Describing the above-described process in more detail, the condensedwater generated by the temperature difference in the heat exchangers200, 210, and 220 falls down along the inner walls of the heatexchangers 200, 210, and 220 and is collected in the drain pan 250. Thatis, since the water guide members 206, 216, 222′, 224′, and 226′protruding downward are formed on the lower ends of the heat exchangers200, 210, and 220 and communicate with the inside of the drain pan 250by being inserted in the insertion holes 154, 156, and 158 of the drainpan receiving portion 152, the condensed water generated in the heatexchangers 200, 210, and 220 is collected in the drain pan 250 throughthe water guide members 206, 216, 222′, 224′, ad 226′.

The condensed water collected in the drain pan 250 falls into the watertank 300. That is, the condensed water that is temporarily collected inthe drain pan 250 falls into the water tank 300 through a hole formedthrough a side of the drain pan 250.

When a certain amount of condensed water is collected in the water tank300 through the above-described process, the user takes the water tankout in a side direction and dumps out the water from the water tank.

FIG. 19 illustrates an operation state of the drain unit 254 provided inthe drain pan 250. That is, FIG. 19 shows a state where the drain pipe252 is opened as the water tank 300 is inserted into the support 310.

In more detail, when the water tank 300 is separated from the support310, as shown in FIG. 13, the drain pipe 252 is closed by the closingcap 254 a Therefore, the condensed water falling through the water guidemembers 206, 216, 222′, 224′, and 226′ of the heat exchangers 200, 210,and 220 are collected in the drain pan 250.

Further, when the water tank 300 is inserted into the support 310 fromthe left side of the support 310, this state is shown in FIG. 19. Thatis, from the state shown in FIG. 13, the right end of the water tank 300contacts the contact projection 254 d. At this point, since a cornerportion of the right end of the water tank 300 is rounded, the contactprojection 254 d slides along the edge of the water tank 300 to bepositioned on the front end edge of the water tank as shown in FIG. 19.

Then, the drain lever 254 b rotates clockwise (when viewed from the top)as shown in FIG. 19, and thus the closing cap 254 a moves away from therear end of the drain pipe 252 to open the drain pipe 252. Accordingly,the condensed water collected in the drain pan 250 falls to the watertank 300 through the drain pipe 252.

Next, when the water tank 300 is separated leftward from the support310, the drain lever 254 b rotates counterclockwise by the rotationalforce of the return spring 254 e and thus the closing cap 254 a closesthe rear end of the drain pipe 252. Therefore, the water collected inthe drain pan 250 cannot be drained out through the drain pipe 252.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present invention. Thus,it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The above-described dehumidifier is light while improving thedehumidifying efficiency and making it easy to drain the condensedwater. Therefore, the industrial applicability of the present inventionis very high.

1. A dehumidifier comprising: a main body case that defines an inner space and is provided at a side with an external air inlet; a barrier dividing the inner space; a main body base that is formed on a lower end of the barrier to define an outer appearance of a lower portion of the main body; a plurality of heat exchangers that are disposed at a side of the barrier to allow circulation air circulating the inner space to be heat-exchanged with external air introduced from an external side; a drain pan for temporally storing condensed water generated from the heat exchangers; and a water tank that stores the condensed water supplied from the drain pan when being inserted in the main body base.
 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchangers comprise: a side heat exchanger installed at a side of the barrier; an inner heat exchanger installed on a surface of the barrier; and a front heat exchanger installed in front of the inner heat exchanger.
 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, further comprising an adsorption member that is provided at a side of one of the heat exchangers to remove moisture from the external air by adsorption.
 4. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a heater assembly that is provided in the inner space to heat the circulation air.
 5. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a recovery assembly that is provided in the inner space to forcedly make the flow of the circulation air.
 6. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein one of the heat exchangers is disposed to correspond to the air inlet so that the air introduced from the external side can be primarily heat-exchanged.
 7. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein one of the heat exchangers is disposed to correspond to the air inlet and includes first, second, and third heat exchange units through which the external air circulates.
 8. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a drain pan receiving portion that is formed on the main body base to receive the drain pan.
 9. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein each of the heat exchangers comprises a water guide member that is correspondingly coupled to a drain pan receiving hole formed at a side of the barrier and the drain pan receiving portion is provided with insertion holes in which the water guide members are inserted.
 10. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein a drain pipe for guiding the drainage of the condensed water is formed on the drain pan and the drain pipe is selectively closed by a drain unit.
 11. The dehumidifier according to claim 10, wherein the drain unit includes: a closing cap; a drain lever controlling movement of the closing cap; a hinge shaft functioning as a rotational center of the drain lever; a contact projection that is formed on an end of the drain lever and selectively contacts the water tank; and a return spring that is installed at a side of the hinge shaft to apply rotation force in a direction.
 12. A dehumidifier comprising: a main body case provided with an air inlet through which external air is introduced; a side heat exchanger at which the external air is heat exchanged; a barrier for directing the external air passing through the side heat exchanger frontward; a front heat exchanger at which the external air guide frontward from the barrier is heat-exchanged; an inner heat exchanger at which the external air passing through the front heat exchanger is heat-exchanged; and a drain pan for temporally storing condensed water generated when external air is heat-exchanged with circulation air circulating in the main body case, wherein the condensed water stored in the drain pan falls to a water tank when the water tank is inserted in the main body.
 13. The dehumidifier according to claim 12, wherein moisture contained in the external air passing through the front heat exchanger is removed by a adsorption assembly disposed between the front and inner heat exchangers.
 14. The dehumidifier according to claim 12, wherein the side heat exchanger is disposed to correspond to the air inlet and includes first, second, and third heat exchange units through which the external air circulates.
 15. The dehumidifier according to claim 12, further comprising a drain pan receiving portion that is formed on the barrier to receive the drain pan.
 16. The dehumidifier according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the heat exchangers includes a water guide member that is correspondingly coupled to a drain pan receiving hole formed at a side of the barrier and the drain pan receiving portion is provided with insertion holes in which the water guide members are inserted.
 17. The dehumidifier according to claim 12, wherein a drain pipe for guiding the drainage of the condensed water is formed on the drain pan and the drain pipe is selectively closed by a drain unit.
 18. The dehumidifier according to claim 12, wherein the drain unit comprises: a closing cap; a drain lever controlling movement of the closing cap; a hinge shaft functioning as a rotational center of the drain lever; a contact projection that is formed on an end of the drain lever and selectively contacts the water tank; and a return spring that is installed at a side of the hinge shaft to apply rotation force in a direction. 